NCJ Number
80534
Date Published
1981
Length
25 pages
Annotation
Seven Girls Clubs of America programs designed to help girls at risk of becoming involved in the juvenile justice system are described.
Abstract
From January 1978 through December 1980, Girls Clubs of America (GCA) and affiliates in seven cities across the country undertook a major project to reach out and serve new communities and girls, particularly girls whose backgrounds and behavior placed them at risk of involvement in the juvenile justice system. The seven clubs involved were Allentown, Pa; Birmingham, Ala.; Chattanooga, Tenn.; Lynn, Mass.; Omaha, Neb.; Santa Barbara, Calif.; and Worcester, Mass. Funding for the GCA Juvenile Delinquency Prevention Project (JDPP) was from the Federal Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention. The JDPP served a little over 2,000 girls in the project's first 2 years. Most of the girls came from communities characterized by high unemployment, family instability, widespread crime, truancy, significant school dropout rates, and a high incidence of teenage pregnancy. Outreach strategies were developed to attract girls who were apathetic, rebellious, or already involved in the juvenile justice system. Outreach included the use of mobile units, street work, and formal linkages with schools, probation departments, and local housing authorities. The clubs served the girls at risk by developing special programs to address their needs. Programs included sexuality education and career exploration. The clubs increased their capacity to serve girls at risk by maintaining successful JDPP programs beyond the grant period and revising ongoing planning, programming, and evaluation procedures to ensure high quality programs. Programs and program development are discussed in detail, along with staff development and community collaboration and networking.